English everyday – on my period

This is a little phrase book for people who have periods.  Every month women menstruate. We usually call this a ‘period’, but there are thousands of nicknames for this time – Time of the month, Aunty Flo, monthlies, having the painters in, on the blob. You can say these nicknames with friends and family but with the doctor just say ‘period’.

Useful phrases

• I’m on my period, I have my period, I’ve got my period.

Problems around menstruation

• I’ve got cramps/ stomachache
• I’ve got period pains (general term for physical pain from periods)
• I feel bloated. I get bloated before my period.
•  I feel terrible. I feel irritable.
• I’ve got a headache, I’ve got a migraine (serious headache that can last for over 24 hours)
• I’ve got PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome)

Talking about your cycle

• I’m usually regular. I have regular periods.
• I’ve always been irregular. I have irregular periods.
• I have a heavy flow. I have a light flow.
• I have some spotting (bleeding between periods)
• I’m late. (my period hasn’t started on the expected date)
• If you don’t want to talk about it, you can say ‘it’s women’s problems’, or ‘it’s women’s stuff’ and people will, usually, understand.

What you might need to buy.

• Painkillers. In the UK ibuprofen or aspirin is recommended for period pains.
• Tampons. The cotton ones that go inside your vagina. In the UK popular brands are Tampax and Lil-lets.
• (sanitary) pads or towels. The ones with sticky stuff that go in your pants. Popular brands in the UK are Always and Bodyform
• Menstrual cup. These are becoming more popular in the UK. It is cup shape made of silicon, and goes inside your vagina. It can be washed and used again, for years. A popular brand in the UK is Mooncup.

There’s lots more to discuss on this, please let me know what you think in the comments below.